If you’re looking for the perfect family dinner that’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is exactly what you need! This simple, one-pan dish is packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, and an irresistible cheesy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a family gathering, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole has it all: it’s delicious, filling, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, thanks to the one-pan nature of the recipe. The creamy, cheesy topping makes every bite feel like a treat, while the combination of seasoned beef and tender rice makes it hearty enough to be a full meal in itself. Plus, it’s super customizable — add in your favorite veggies, switch up the cheese, or even try a different protein. It’s all about making this dish your own!
Quick, One-Pan Wonder
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. No need for a dozen pots and pans — just one skillet, a few ingredients, and a little time in the oven. It’s an effortless dinner that delivers maximum flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly
The flavors of this casserole deepen and get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, so you’ll enjoy it multiple times throughout the week.
Kid-Approved
This dish is a hit with kids! The combination of cheesy goodness and flavorful beef will have your little ones begging for more. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables if you’re looking to boost the nutritional value.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (preferably 85% lean for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness)
- Diced onion (adds sweetness and depth)
- Minced garlic cloves (for that aromatic, savory base)
- Uncooked white or brown rice (use whichever you prefer; just remember that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook)
- Beef broth (adds rich flavor to the rice)
- Tomato sauce (provides a tangy depth)
- Diced tomatoes (optional, but a nice touch for extra texture and flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce (for a bit of savory umami)
- Italian seasoning (adds herby goodness)
- Salt and black pepper (essential seasonings)
- Paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for that melty, gooey topping)
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking the beef and aromatics)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for when the casserole is ready to bake.
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat up a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook it for about 3 minutes, or until it softens and becomes fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Add Rice and Liquids
Once the aromatics are soft and fragrant, it’s time to stir in the uncooked rice. Mix everything together, making sure the rice is well coated with the juices in the pan. Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes (if using). Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is just about tender. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out — you want the rice to absorb the flavors while still being moist.
Top with Cheese and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the rice and beef mixture. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This creates that melty, gooey cheese crust we all love.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will continue to meld as it rests, making every bite even better. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Want Extra Veggies?
You can easily add more vegetables to this casserole for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms are all great additions. Just toss them in with the onions and garlic, and sauté them until they’re tender. - Make it Spicy!
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving for an extra kick. - Cheese Variations
While cheddar is the classic choice for this casserole, feel free to switch things up! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all melt beautifully and will add different flavors. For an even creamier casserole, mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese. - Low-Carb Option
If you’re looking to make a lower-carb version of this casserole, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. Just be sure to reduce the amount of broth, since cauliflower rice doesn’t absorb liquid the same way regular rice does. - Make it Ahead
This casserole is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This also works well for meal prep — just divide it into individual portions, and it’ll be ready to go when you are.
Storage Instructions
This casserole stores beautifully and can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to reheat. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later, that works too! Just let the casserole cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad
Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and beef. A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette works perfectly. - Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with garlic bread! The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs wonderfully with the creamy casserole. - Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for more veggies, roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even broccoli make a great side dish. They add color, flavor, and a little extra nutrition to your plate.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again, thanks to its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. The cheesy, savory layers of ground beef and rice are the perfect combination for a simple yet indulgent meal. Enjoy!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
